Do You Trust Him?

John 11: 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.

34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

35 Jesus wept.

36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

So many who read this verse are like the crowd standing there that day.  They saw that Christ cried and moaned with great sorrow and thought his tears came from mourning the death of his dear friend.  Yet, Christ knew before He ever arrived that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead and that this had been perfectly orchestrated and planned down to the moment so that the Glory of God might be manifested.  So, He could not have been mourning for Lazarus.  He didn’t change His mind because of sorrow and the sorrow of the people He loved.  He came there to raise Lazarus,  He had already said so many times John 11: 4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.  Because He loved them, He had waited. The custom was that after 3 days it was certain beyond recovery that a person was really dead.  There would be no question of the reality of the miracle or the gift He was bringing.  I daresay, Christ wept because He was standing there, bringing the greatest gift of all and no one trusted Him or believed Him; though He had tried to tell them.  How often when I have laid before Him with tears pouring down my face because I could not believe that He was enough to fill my heart; has He wept for me?  How often He has reached out to comfort me with His heart aching; because my faith was too little to trust Him? He so wants me to understand that His love is so overwhelming for me that I can trust that whatever comes into my life is what is the very best for me.  No matter what the circumstances, I will trust His heart and if I trust His heart; then I will have peace and joy in the darkest valleys of my life.  Do you trust Him?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmaBhMOXXHg

 

Sovereign God, A Lump of Clay, and Grace that Amazes Me

Jeremiah 18: 1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,

2 Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Romans 9:

15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Before I begin, I understand those of you who may wish to rebel against these verses.  When I went to these verses I had a completely different message that I had planned; but, then I read these verses in context instead of taking them out of context which is what I have always heard them preached.  After reading, re-reading and much prayer, I with some trepidation will proceed to explain these as best as I can.   Perhaps my trepidation comes from the fact that most churches run quickly from stating that God is 100% Sovereign and there is nothing that happens within the earth or my life that was not allowed or ordained by God.  So what about my free will–what happens to it?  Oh, yes, I have a free will; but that free will is and will always be contrary to God because this covetous heart would always be at enmity toward God were it not that a Sovereign God would have chosen to show me grace. It is by His Will that I be chosen and if chosen I will be transformed into Christ’s likeness; though, the free will often wants to believe that maybe I have something good that caused Him to choose me.   We live in this society which so desires to believe in self will, self determination, self exalting, and self esteem which is destroyed if you grasp this truth of God’s Sovereignty.  Only He knows how many fires it will take to mold this lump of clay into Christ likeness.  Only He knows how many times He will need to break me to reshape this lump of clay that is I until my will is consumed by His Will.  So, some would say, then why pray, why study, why teach, why preach; if God is so Sovereign, then what difference does it make.  But, I say how can I do any less?  His Sovereign Hand has so drawn this unfaithful heart to fall so madly in love with Him, how can I do anything else?  Then why would a loving and merciful God choose one and not another, if indeed He is Sovereign?  Look very closely at verses 22 and 23.  Would I understand the magnitude of His Righteousness; had I not understood the depravity of Evil?  Adam had eaten of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; before that, Adam did not realize the brilliance of God’s Glory and Righteousness, nor Adam’s own lack thereof.  So, what if God is willing to show His wrath against Sin and to fully let His power be known; He waits patiently, not calling down immediate judgement so that those whom He has chosen can fully understand the depth of His Glory and the magnitude of His Mercy toward us.  After all, did Adam recognize the love and the privilege he had walking in the Garden with God; until it was gone.  Can I understand the depth of His Love for me, unless I truly see His Mercy and Grace toward me as so amazing?  Can I bow in adoration of Him, willing to let Him transform me throughout whatever trial He desires; if I did not understand His Sovereignty?  Can I trust in all the promises set forth in Romans 8 of future, sustaining grace; if, I did not recognize His Sovereignty?  Could I understand the fullness of Joy found in Him if I had not had my heart broken so many times by counterfeit Joy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNClAJO2tnQ

In Humility Restore a Brother

Galatians 6 (AMP)  Brethren, if any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.

2 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and [a]troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete [b]what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

3 For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another’s load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

4 But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [[c]in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.

5 For every person will have to bear ([d]be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [[e]little] load [f][of oppressive faults].

Pride is a huge problem and Paul the apostle (recognizing that fact) warned the Christian over and over again.  So often within our hearts there is the tendency to compare ourselves with others.  We tend to look upon someone else’s failures with a self pride and in that frame of mind we say that "I would never do that"  Beware, Caution; you are most likely about to fall into that same sin.  The only way that we can help another person who is struggling with a particular sin is to forever remember our own vulnerability to sin.  We need to lovingly, gently point them toward the joy that they can find in Christ.  Experience tells me that there is no joy when sin is reigning in my life; and, that is true of any Christian.  Pride would stand in the way of helping the other because we find ourselves secretly enjoying their failure because it makes us look better.  As Christians we must reach out to guide others when they are slipping away.  We should teach them gently, remembering our own frailty.  That does not mean that we are not to meekly confront them in a heart of love that truly wants to help them.  We are not to just look the other way either; because that is saying "I don’t care".  Remember that any maturity or level of spirituality that you may have attained has come to you by grace alone and not of your own doing.  Remember Peter?  He had been privy to many miracles and even was there at the mount of transfiguration.  He had walked with Christ and was the first to declare with great revelation that "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God"  Yet, pride entered in and he even declared that Christ would not be killed–he, Peter would not allow it.  He declared with all of his heart, "Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee." (Matthew 26: 35)   Still it was Peter who denied Christ three times.  God knew that if Peter were to become the preacher that he needed to be to lead the early church, pride would have to be destroyed.  It was a broken, contrite hearted Peter who then stood on the shore with the resurrected Christ as Peter was given his commission to teach and spread the gospel of Christ.  I must never forget the fact that without Christ, I am nothing.  If by some chance of Grace I have ever done something good or have helped someone; I know that it Christ in me and not me.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1R5c3d7KPQ

Below is an excerpt from the Chapter "Peter’s Restoration" from my book A Broken and Contrite Heart  for those who want to read further. 

"Peter had seen the resurrection of Christ and was thrilled with the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection; yet, as you note—He returned to fishing.  “After all, Christ has said nothing about the denial; perhaps, I cannot be used in His service”, thought Peter.  “I blew it!! What can I do?  I witnessed a miracle beyond any miracle and I met the Savior, the Messiah.  What an honor I have been blessed with.”   So with that mentality, Peter went back to the fishing.  That was the only occupation he knew and certainly he did not believe he would ever be good enough to return to Christ’s service.   He had failed Christ at a crucial moment, all his bragging about love and devotion had been nothing more than a lot of worthless hot air.

            Peter had fished all night and even then failed to catch any fish; perhaps, even in this he felt a failure.  As the morning dawned there was Christ standing on the shore.  In fact, the disciples did not recognize Him; perhaps, they weren’t looking for Him at that moment—they were not certain what role they now played in the Kingdom of God.  In fact, for Peter, he had gone back to his former life, why would Christ appear now? Peter, I daresay, doesn’t recall the prayer and promise of Christ that when he was restored to strengthen the brethren.  Instead, Peter took them fishing.  In fact, Peter was fishing in the nude as he had formerly done.  Then Peter realized that this was Jesus Christ as He had commanded them to throw the nets in and pull up an overflowing catch of fish; just like in the beginning.  Peter grabbed his coat and jumped into the water.  Oddly, that he would throw on a coat to swim when swimming is much simpler in the nude.  Yet, Peter wanted to try to cover his own shame for his lack of faith in Christ’s ability to use him and for his denial a few days, weeks prior.  When Peter and the disciples reached the shore Christ was already cooking fish so as to provide a meal to His disciples.  He attended first to their physical need of hunger before stepping into the important work of restoration.  That would be just like Jesus; he would attend to the physical needs so that there would be abundant energy to go about the task at hand.  Sometimes in the Christian walk when we awaken in that same position as Peter in which we feel we have failed so severely that we could not be used ever again.  At that moment, many times God sends forth just the right song or sermon or person to fill our hungry heart before He begins that work of restoration.  Once his hunger had been met, Christ invited Peter for a private walk along the beach.  We know this private because while they are talking, it is noted in verse 20 “Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following”  They had to be walking a few steps ahead and speaking softly.

            So they begin this walk, Peter hardly able to contain himself with the thoughts most likely running through his mind.  It was the first time they were alone and Christ wanted to talk to him.  Then came the piercing questions in a series of three; just like the denial had been a series of three so too the restoring questions are a series of three.  Peter prior to the incident was so confident that he loved Christ better than the other disciples and that he would go to prison or death because of his love for Christ.  Yet, Peter, came to realize that his own love was not perfect; instead he needed to rest on the assurance that Christ’s love was all sufficient.  So it is that Christ asked Peter “Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me?”  Note that Christ once more is calling Peter by his human name and not the spiritual name he had been given.  Another point of great interest is the word “lovest”,  In the latin languages, there are various distinctly different words that refer to love.  One type of love is “agape” love.  This is an unconditional, never failing, God like love.   The other word for love that is used in these verses is phileo love (this refers to a general brother-like love) and would be considered a good type of love; but certainly, with limitations and flaws.  It is more like an affection rather than a steady burning, unconditional love.  Therefore, the conversation went something like this.  Christ said, “Simon, do you love me with a burning, unconditional agape love?”  Peter’s response is “yeah Lord, I love you with an affectionate, brother like Phileo love.” Christ commands Peter to feed his sheep.  Remember once more this is the same Peter who had previously swore his love to be greater than anyone’s and now he hesitates in his own description of his love for Christ, doubting the depth and sincerity of it.  . So, Christ again asks Peter, “Simon, do you love me with a burning, unconditional agape love?”  Peter’s response again is “yeah Lord, I love you with an affectionate, brother like Phileo love” Christ commands Peter once more to feed his sheep, as demonstration of that love and devotion—He is calling Peter into service again.  Then on the third question, Christ asks; “Simon, do you love with an affectionate, brother like love?”  What a grievous question.  Peter must have quickly thought as I have at times thought, “Lord is my ability to love you so flawed that I cannot even attempt to demonstrate it, does it not even show?”  Yet, very humbly, Peter now replies:  “Lord, you know all things, look into my heart Lord and You will not need to ask such a question.”   Once more the Lord calls Peter into service with “Feed my sheep” 

            Peter had come to realize that he, himself was nothing and had nothing to boast of except for Jesus Christ.  He came to realize that in the power of his own love, he would fail. His self-righteous spirit was broken completely.  His heart had been broken for Christ and now restored was a humble heart that recognized that unless it is Christ’s love and work through him, there was no work at all.  Now with all self pride stripped away, Peter was ready to become the preacher he needed to be.  He found his own central core of hope in future grace set firm in Jesus Christ and Christ Alone-“the hope for Glory”  As Peter writes in I Peter 1: “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” No longer could Peter’s hope and faith be in himself or even his ability to love Christ; rather, he depended and rested upon the love of God to sustain him and to work out this faith through him.  That is why Peter was able to preach at Pentecost where 3000 were saved.  It was no longer Peter’s boisterous voice; but Christ’s voice through Peter.   God did not cause Peter to fail; but God did allow Satan to sift Peter and God took Peter’s failure and used it for Peter’s growth, the increased intimacy with Christ for Peter, and for the good of the kingdom.  What an amazing God of Grace and Mercy and Love.  God knew that the only source of joy, hope, strength and peace for Peter was an intimate relationship with God.  Prior to Peter falling deeply with a broken spirit, broken heart and contrite heart; Peter’s pride stood in the way of this intimacy.  Peter sometimes had trouble hearing the truth as he was caught up in his own desires.  This was not the case with the restored Peter."

Our Merciful and Faithful High Priest is Jesus Christ

Luke 22: 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Hebrews 2: 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings…….

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 3; 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God

…18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Christ who was God and who created all of Heaven and Earth chose to take on flesh that He might be worthy to be the High Priest and once and for all pay the penalty of man’s sin.  In His fleshly form, He suffered pain, sorrow, rejection, temptation just as we would, only without sin.  In this form, He was not exempt from the great depths of sorrow and pain.  In addition He knew that His greatest pain was yet to come; that of being separated from His very own soul (the Father) and His Spirit (the Holy Spirit).  It would be necessary to take on the penalty and full wrath that Perfect Justice and Perfect Righteousness would demand.   Do not think that because this was Christ, His suffering was less; if anything, it far exceeded anything that you or I would ever face.  Yet, in that act of obedience and suffering; He became compassionate and has full empathy for our sufferings.  Since He paid the penalty for all off mankind; then, what is the sin that can now condemn anyone?  It is the sin of unbelief.  If you hear the voice of God drawing you to Christ; do not run the other direction or close your ears to the Servant King who became your Great High Priest.  Never again would we need an Earthly Priest to intercede, for it is Christ who is our intercessor. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrQiLEO4D5s

 

I Will Trust Him with All My Heart and Soul

Matthew 7: 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Deuteronomy 31:

6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Psalm 103: 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].

14 For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.

What are your worries today?  Are they how are you going to pay this months bills?  Is it how are you going to face this illness? Are you worried about where your next meal is coming from or if you are going to lose your house?  What is your worry today?  Are you afraid to go ask your Heavenly Father for help; because you know that the mess you are in is your own fault?  Had you just prepared better, put him first or had been a better child then maybe you wouldn’t be in this mess.  Do you love your Father with all your heart and soul?  This is a matter of the heart.  Are you seeking to find His will in your life?  Do you revere, worship and stand in awe of Him?  Then trust Him, lay all your burdens at His feet and know that His love will perform whatever is the best for you. He paid the greatest price that could ever be paid to show His love for you when Christ came to pay your sins upon the Cross and He will not forsake you know.  Do you believe that cast away your sin as far as the east is from the west (His east from west which goes beyond all the galaxies)?  Lay all your sins, your guilt, your fears, and your needs at the foot of the Cross and trust in God’s promises.  Then rise up in confidence, hope, and joy to follow Him where ever He leads you.   You can always vow that today you will serve Him, tithe to Him in love your time, your heart, and your things.  He is right there waiting to hear from you. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7psLMLE_r8&NR=1

For my English only friends below the best translation that I can place.  The internet translation all missed the spirit of the song; so I had to tweak their translations.  My Spanish can tell me if I got it right. 

Sometimes I failed you, but you were faithful, 
Your Grace lifts me up, your love is all I need, 
eternal God, your light will shine forever brilliantly
And your glory, incomparable Never ending. (Intro) Lord, let your will reign eternally, I want to lose myself in adoring you, eternal God, your light will shine forever And your glory, incomparable Never ending.   From my heart I give you control, consume all my heart, Let me embrace Your Justice and Your Love, Father, Lord, I love you from my heart. (+ intro + verse 2 pre-chorus) Eternal God, your light will shine forever, And your glory, incomparable never ending. The deepest cry of my being is to be with You With all my being, heart, and soul this is my Pleading Cry.